Novo Nordisk: Semaglutide Cuts Obesity in 40% of Kids Under 12
Is semaglutide a safe breakthrough for children with severe obesity or a risky shortcut?
Above: Novo Nordisk's manufacturing facility in Bohumil village, Czech Republic, on June 12. Image credit: Michal Cizek/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This trial shows promising results for semaglutide's effectiveness in children, most of whom had severe cases of obesity, and exercise and diet alone were never going to be enough. Since no safety red flags were raised, the medicine can now be considered viable for improved health outcomes in minors.
Narrative B
Handing appetite-suppressing drugs to children because society lacks the spine to regulate junk food is a moral failure, not a medical breakthrough. During their early years, children are still growing physically, cognitively and emotionally, and rapid weight loss carries real risks that long-term data has not answered. Jumping to prescribing these drugs could be disastrous.